Forearm Parrying, the Low Punch – Coach Cornelius Carr

Using your forearms to block low straight punches is an excellent way to deflect and parry strong low attacks. The key is to NOT use huge movements, just a slight lowering of the forearm to meet the punch and a simple twist of the waist to guide the punch away. If you drop your arms too much you will be risking a head shot. If you twist too much you will be left in an awkward position, where it would be hard to throw a counter and easy for you to be hit. So the importance of this technique is economy of motion – only do just enough to parry their punch away. When you are twisting and lowering the forearm to block, sink down slightly into your stance.

Checklist for the ‘The Forearm Parrying, the Low Punch’

Keep twisting to a minimum.

Keep your guard up protecting your face.

Lower your forearm to parry the punch.

Sink slightly in your stance

Get ready to start throwing a counter punch.

A good advantage of this move is it can be quite easy to unload with both hands instantly from the parry. With all parries and defensive moves it is good to get a partner and go through them slowly to get your positioning correct. Once you are sure of the techniques, practice them with some light sparring – practice makes perfect.